Tuesday’s Campaign Round-Up, 8.19.14

Today’s installment of campaign-related news items that won’t necessarily generate a post of their own, but may be of interest to political observers:

* It’s primary day in Alaska and Wyoming today. Arguably the most competitive race in either state is Alaska’s U.S. Senate Republican primary.

* In Florida, Gov. Rick Scott (R) was forced to pull his latest campaign ad because its star – Maikel Duarte-Torres, who gives Scott a hug in the commercial – was convicted on human smuggling charges four years ago.

* Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will headline Sen. Tom Harkin’s (D) annual steak fry next month in Iowa. It will be her first visit to the Hawkeye State since 2008.

* In Montana, Amanda Curtis’ (D) U.S. Senate bid already faces long odds, but it doesn’t help that she won’t be able to use any of the money Sen. John Walsh (D) raised for the campaign. [corrected]

* In Ohio’s gubernatorial race, Ed FitzGerald (D) has struggled to close the gap against Gov. John Kasich (R), and today the Democratic nominee shook up his campaign team, replacing both his campaign manager and communications director.

* Former Providence mayor Vincent “Buddy” Cianci’s comeback bid hit another hurdle this week. His pasta-sauce company promises to donate proceeds to a scholarship fund, but there’s evidence the company hasn’t exactly kept that promise.

* As has been the case for much of the cycle, the DSCC outraised the NRSC in July, $7.7 million to $5.4 million.

* And on a related note, the DCCC also outraised its Republican counterpart in July, $11.5 million to $8 million. Democrats believe they received a significant boost following the Republicans’ anti-Obama antics, including the lawsuit and impeachment rhetoric.